Abstract: An automatic transmission that includes an input shaft; an output shaft; and a speed change mechanism portion that shifts a rotation of the input shaft to be transmitted to the output shaft, wherein: the output shaft has a spline formed in a range in which the output shaft fits in a power transmission shaft included in a vehicle, and n-stage (n is an integer of at least 2) chamfering is performed on a larger diameter portion of the spline.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a tube having a hollow shape; a slip bush inserted into the tube; and a shaft assembled with the tube through the slip bush, wherein the slip bush includes power transmission parts, which are arranged along an circumferential surface of the slip bush in an axial direction and have pins positioned at centers of the power transmission parts and supports supporting both ends of each pin, and elastic parts, which are arranged along the circumferential surface of the slip bush while being spaced from the power transmission parts and have a section with a C-shape, which is formed in such a manner that a side portion is cut out in the axial direction. Therefore, strength and rigidity are improved, even when twist is generated in the universal joint, so that clearance and noise due to abrasion, pressing, etc. can be minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive shaft (1) comprising partially internested shaft parts (5, 6) which are slidable relative to one another by a predetermined amount in a longitudinal toothing (2), the longitudinal toothing (2) being formed by an inner toothing (4) on the outer, tubular shaft part (6) and by an outer toothing (3) on the inner shaft part (5), the shaft parts (5, 6) being joined together and prevented from being pulled apart axially during installation or transport by use of securing means provided on the outer periphery of the shaft parts. A securing means is provided by a boot (8) which encloses both shaft parts (5, 6) and whose edges (9, 10) cooperate with the shaft parts (5, 6) so as to limit pull-out and form a seal, and at least one edge (10) the boot (8) is axially slidable to a limited extent relative to the shaft part (5) which it encloses.

Abstract: A propeller shaft having high wear resistance is provided. The propeller shaft has a spline shaft and a spline sleeve meshing with each other, and a DLC coating is applied to any one of the spline shaft and the spline sleeve. The DLC coating has surface roughness Ra of 0.5 ?m or smaller.

Abstract: A torque transmission device is provided with an outer tube having a non-circular internal circumference and an inner tube having a non-circular external circumference inserted into the outer tube. The two tubes have a predefined rotational clearance as the result of a gap formed between the internal and the external circumference. At least one elastic wire cushion-like element is provided in the gap between the two tubes. The two tubes are displaceable in relation to one another, in the longitudinal direction of the tube, in such a way as to make possible length compensation, even under load.

Abstract: A multiple-tube propeller shaft assembly includes a first tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, a second tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, and a third tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion. In an embodiment, one end of the third tube is telescopically received within the first tube in a slip tube spline connection, while the other end is received within the second tube in a locked tube spline connection. In another embodiment, the first tube is telescopically received in one end of the third tube in a slip tube spline connection, while the second tube is received in the other end of the third tube in a locked tube spline connection. The propeller shaft assembly can be tuned to absorb crash energy between 0 and 50 kN.

Abstract: An axially adjustable driveshaft assembly includes a first section and a second section that engages the first section for relative axial movement. The first and second sections cooperating to define an internal chamber. A valve is provided on one of the first and second sections and provides fluid communication with the internal chamber. The valve may have a passageway portion formed therethrough and first and second sealing lip portions that normally engage one another so as to provide an air-tight seal therebetween. The axially adjustable driveshaft assembly may be installed in a drive train system by varying the pressure within the internal chamber so as to change the length defined by the axially adjustable driveshaft assembly to equal a length defined by the drive train system and installing the axially adjustable driveshaft assembly in the drive train system.

Abstract: A longitudinal shaft for use in motor vehicles consists of a tubular part having joints on both ends, corresponding to a differential side and a transmission side. There is a differential shaft and a transmission shaft accommodated on the two ends. The two joints are disposed in accommodation regions provided on the two ends of the tubular part by way of their outer hubs in a torque-proof manner. The joints are configured as a displacement joint or as a fixed joint, which can be disposed in the tubular part of the longitudinal shaft in the combination of two displacement joints, one displacement joint and one fixed joint, or two fixed joints with displacement.

Abstract: A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements.

Abstract: A vehicle drive shaft is disclosed that includes a sliding type constant velocity joint, a shaft member, a boot, and an insolating member. The sliding type constant velocity joint includes an outer ring having an accommodation chamber, and an inner ring accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The isolating member forms a pressure relaxation chamber in the outer ring so as to isolate the pressure relaxation chamber and the accommodation chamber from each other. When the pressure in the accommodation chamber is raised, the isolating member is displaced toward the pressure relaxation chamber by a pressure difference between the accommodation chamber and the pressure relaxation chamber, thereby increasing the volume of the accommodation chamber. When the pressure in the accommodation chamber is lowered, the isolating member is displaced toward the accommodation chamber by the pressure difference, thereby decreasing the volume of the accommodation chamber.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction Ri1 (?), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (?). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01<S/PCR<0.09).

Abstract: There is disclosed a steering apparatus for a vehicle in which a steering power of a steering shaft is assisted by a column-assist type electric power steering apparatus so that the steering power is transmitted to steer the wheels by means of a steering mechanism, in which a telescopic shaft with a male shaft and a female shaft fitted to each other to be mutually unrotatable and slidable is interposed between an output shaft of said column-assist type electric power steering apparatus and an input shaft of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A longitudinal drive shaft for motor vehicles, for transferring a torque, consists of two or more shaft sections which are connected with one another by way of an intermediate shaft or a journal. The intermediate shaft or the journal is the carrier of a center bearing and is connected to the shaft section by a homokinetic displacement joint rigidly disposed in a pipe. The parts of the center bearing and shaft sections that are displaced in a crash are configured to be smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe. The inside diameter of the outer joint ring is greater than the outside diameters of the roller bearing of the center bearing and of the pipe. The homokinetic displacement joint is sealed off with a sealing cap and a sealing bellows in the direction of the shaft section, and has a closure lid assigned to it.

Abstract: A shaft unit with two coaxial channels for coupling with two pressure chambers, disposed coaxial with the rotation axis of the shaft unit, which are sealed relative to each other through a seal device including a first hollow cylindrical element, forming a first channel; a second hollow cylindrical element enclosing the first hollow cylindrical element in circumferential direction, forming the other second channel, wherein the first hollow cylindrical element is coupled with the second one through a press connection.

Abstract: A shaft-hub connection for transferring a torque between a shaft (1) and a hub (3) with the aid of at least one drive element (2). To enable a torque transfer which is practically resistant to wear, even under the effect of transversal forces, the contact surface between the shaft and the hub and/or between the shaft and the drive element and/or between the hub and the drive element is minimized in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for drill rods comprising a receiving socket for receiving a connecting portion of the drill rod. Provision is made for at least one locking device with a locking element, which is supported in an adjustable manner between a release position and a locking position, in which the locking element engages into a corresponding recess of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A telescoping propeller shaft includes an elongated hollow cylindrical body having a splined interior surface, the splines defining a minor diameter (x) and a major diameter (y), and a correspondingly splined shaft mating in register with the cylindrical body along an engagement length (L). Major (c) and minor (b) diameters of the splined shaft are less than the respective major (y) and minor (x) diameters of the interior splines of the cylindrical body such that the two shafts can freely telescope at least along the engagement length (L) and a free plunge region (D1). In response to a sufficient inward axial load, the cylindrical body is adapted to telescope over the splined shaft through an interference region (D2) comprising an interference mechanism for energy dissipation.

Abstract: An improved boot for use in sealing a constant velocity joint and ball spline joint assembly includes a plurality of articulating convolutes, a grease catching member, and a first stabilizing member adapted to ride above an inner race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of articulating convolutes and the grease catching member and provide stability at high speed. The boot further includes a plurality of plunging convolutes and a second stabilizing member adapted to ride above an outer race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of plunging convolutes and the grease catching member and provide additional stability.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.

Abstract: A tubular telescoping drive shaft for transmitting rotation from a rotating power source to an element to be rotated thereby, including at least one inner member or shaft telescopically receivable in an outer tubular shaft and including a universal joint such as a Hooke's joint having pivotal yokes connected with a cross link, all of which are at least substantially received within the outer tubular shaft in a fully retracted position and are rotatably pivotable therein for accommodating misalignment of the rotating power source and element rotated thereby.

Abstract: A tubular telescoping drive shaft for transmitting rotation from a rotating power source to an element to be rotated thereby, including at least one inner member or shaft telescopically receivable in an outer tubular shaft and including a universal joint such as a Hooke's joint having pivotal yokes connected with a cross link, all of which are at least substantially received within the outer tubular shaft in a fully retracted position and are rotatably pivotable therein for accommodating misalignment of the rotating power source and element rotated thereby.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two components, in particular a clamping collar with a centering hub, whereby, between both components an axially deformable and radially centering element is arranged.

Abstract: A shafting, particularly a cardan shaft for rail vehicles, has two cardan joints (4,5), each of which comprises two link forks (7–10) coupled to one another by a central part (6). The central part (6) comprises at least two partial elements (38.1,38.2) that are connected to one another in the peripheral direction in a rotationally fixed manner by a shaft-hub connection, and in a displaceable manner in the axial direction. The shafting further includes a rotary actuator (17) arranged in the central part for performing a torsional movement of the corresponding end areas of one of the two partial elements of the central part relative to one another.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes an inner member having an outer surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, and an outer member having an inner surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion. The splined portion of the inner member is capable of being slidably engaged with the splined portion of the outer member to form a splined connection therebetween. One of the inner and outer members includes a tunable energy absorption feature that controls an amount of interference between the inner and outer members. For example, the tunable energy absorption feature can be in the form of a friction ramp on one member that frictionally engages an angled leading ramp on the other member, a raised portion on one or more splines, or splines having different length that can progressively absorb energy during axial deformation of the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: A drive line apparatus has a pair of tubular shafts configured to fit telescopically. The outer shaft has internal splines and the inner shaft has outer splines so that the shafts rotate in unison. Each of the outer and inner shaft has one partially closed end for coupling to a universal joint, wherein the joint connected to the partially closed end of the inner shaft is disposed within the inner shaft for further reducing the length of the drive line apparatus.

Abstract: A shaft-hub connection for transferring a torque between a shaft (1) and a hub (3) with the aid of at least one drive element (2). To enable a torque transfer which is practically resistant to wear, even under the effect of transversal forces, the contact surface between the shaft and the hub and/or between the shaft and the drive element and/or between the hub and the drive element is minimized in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: An anti-theft locking device for vehicles includes an annular locking sleeve mounted concentrically about and normally in frictional engagement with the vehicle steering shaft. The locking sleeve includes a body portion having a serpentine cross-sectional configuration, thereby defining on the inner periphery of the sleeve a plurality of alternate smooth convex projections and concave valleys. The convex projections are in frictional engagement with the circumferential surface of the steering shaft by a predetermined frictional force that is greater than the rotational torque force produced during normal steering operation of the vehicle. A plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth extend radially outwardly from the locking sleeve, thereby to define between the teeth a plurality of locking slots one of which is arranged to receive the free extremity of the locking arm of a locking device.

Abstract: A slip joint, such as for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, includes a first member having a plurality of male splines provided thereon and a second member having a plurality of female splines provided thereon. The male splines cooperate with the female splines so as to connect the first and second members together for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. A wedge member is disposed between portions of the first and second members to take up looseness therebetween and to adjustably control the amount of force that is required to be exerted in order to effect relative axial movement. The wedge member includes a body portion having a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. The wedge member is positioned such that the leg portions are received within an annular space between the first and second members.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly that is axially collapsible in a reliably controlled manner includes a male splined slip yoke that cooperates with a female splined transition member for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. The transition member is, in turn, secured to a hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube. The transition member has an inner surface that tapers or otherwise extends radially inwardly, and a wedge is supported within the transition member. When a large compressive force is applied to the ends of the driveshaft assembly, the slip yoke causes the wedge to move axially relative to the transition member, thereby causing the transition member and a portion of the hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube to be expanded radially outwardly and creating a weakened region. When the wedge is moved yet axially further relative to the transition member, the driveshaft tube is further deformed in a controlled and consistent, thereby absorbing energy from the collision.

Abstract: A method of forming a slip joint includes providing a forming mandrel having a plurality of axially extending external splines, placing an inner tube circumferentially about the mandrel, and applying radially inward pressure on the inner tube to deform the inner tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The deformation step forms splines on the outer surface of the inner tube. A circumferential seal is then applied around the inner tube, and an outer tube is placed around the inner tube and the seal. Radially inward pressure is applied on the outer tube to deform the outer tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the inner tube, and thereby forming splines on the inner surface of the outer tube. The splines on the outer surface of the inner tube and the splines on the inner surface of the outer tube are configured to cooperate together to form a slip joint.

Abstract: A clearance damping element for use with a telescoping shaft assembly including a shaft having a shaft outer diameter and a tube configured to receive the shaft therein. The clearance damping element comprises a tube engaging portion and a shaft engaging portion. The tube engaging portion is adapted to fixedly receive the tube and the shaft engaging portion has a body extending from the second end of the tube engaging portion. The shaft engaging portion body includes a plurality of flexible fingers with inward extending projections that define an inner diameter less than the shaft outer diameter.

Abstract: A drive shaft extends into a tubular member for use in a portable working machine. The drive shaft is mounted relative to the tubular member so as to undergo rotation relative to the tubular member. The drive shaft has a longitudinal axis and resin bushes integrally mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith at positions along the longitudinal axis corresponding to vibration nodes of the drive shaft. Each of the resin bushes has an outer peripheral surface disposed in slidable contact with an inner peripheral surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A transfer case for AWD/4WD vehicle that employs a bushing positioned within a transfer case housing. The bushing is formed to the housing when the housing is cast. The bushing includes one or more axial notches formed in an outer surface of the bushing that fill with the housing metal during the casting process that prevents the bushing from rotating in response to a load from a slip yoke. A helical groove is formed in the inner surface of the bushing and a slot is formed through a housing wall along the bushing that allows lubricant from within the housing to flow through the bushing.

Abstract: A housing has a longitudinally extending aperture and at least one internal, longitudinally extending groove. At least one longitudinally extending blade is mountable on the shaft and positioned within the housing such that the blade extends radially outwardly into the longitudinal groove of the housing. A cross pin extends radially through the longitudinally extending aperture of the housing for engagement with the shaft, and a resilient material is positioned between the housing and the blade, and between the cross pin and the housing, such that the blade will transmit torque to the housing with a desired radial, axial and torsional compliance.

Abstract: Angular and axial offsets between the motor vehicle rotor (3) and transmission pinion (6) are intended to be compensated by a coupling which can be mounted in an easy manner. According to the invention, a curved teeth coupling (9) is mounted between the motor shaft (4) and the pinion shaft (6) and includes a first coupling section (10) with internal tooth system and a second coupling section (11) with external tooth system, whereby the first coupling section (10) is securely connected to the pinion shaft (6) and the second coupling section (11) is securely connected to the motor shaft (4). The coupling sections (10, 11) can easily be pushed into each other, when the motor (2) is mounted onto the transmission (1).

Abstract: A changeable-length fourth axis of a delta robot has a first bar (82) and a second bar (83), which can be displaced parallel to one another in a slide bearing (84, 85). They are connected to articulation heads (80, 81) for leading in an incoming torque and for leading out an outgoing torque. The first and second bars (82, 83) are arranged here such that the incoming torque runs in a direction which is parallel to, but offset from, the direction of the outgoing torque. This fourth axis allows precise torque transmission, but is nevertheless of straightforward construction, has a high bending strength and relatively low weight and can easily be cleaned by being washed down.

Abstract: A slip joint includes first and second shafts that are connected for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement, such as by respective pluralities of axially extending spline. A seal can is secured to the first shaft and extends about a portion of the second shaft. A seal assembly is secured to the second shaft and engages a portion of the seal can. The seal assembly includes first and second seals that are each generally concave in shape. Each of the first and second seals is generally V-shaped in cross section, having a radially innermost end, an intermediate portion, and a radially outermost end, wherein the radially innermost and outermost ends are located closer to one another than the radially intermediate portions. the first and second seals are axially spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular space therebetween that can be filled with a sealing material, such as a waterproof grease.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a slip shaft drive assembly includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover which is mounted at an end of a slip yoke. The cover includes an axially extended stop portion which is of an axial length to provide contact with a flange of a splined shaft prior to an end of the splined shaft contacting a plug. The stop portion defines the minimum length to which the slip shaft drive assembly may be collapsed and thereby eliminates the possibility of the plug being dislodged during shipping and/or handling.

Abstract: An axially collapsible propeller shaft assembly, wherein the axial collapse feature resides in an axially collapsible drive connection between a stud shaft and a hollow propeller shaft, wherein under everyday drivingly conditions the drive connection provides torque transfer between the stud shaft and the propeller shaft, but under crash conditions the axial force telescopically receives the stud shaft into the hollow space of the propeller shaft. In a first embodiment, an end of the stud shaft is splinably engaged with an end cap affixed to the propeller shaft. In a second embodiment, a stud shaft is affixed to an end cap, which is, in turn, affixed to a propeller shaft. An annular score of the end cap has a bottom which is broken in a crash, which allows a central portion of the end cap to move with the stud shaft into the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A slip joint includes first and second shafts that are connected for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement, such as by respective pluralities of axially extending splines. A seal can is secured to the first shaft and extends about a portion of the second shaft. A seal assembly is secured to the second shaft and engages a portion of the seal can. The seal assembly includes first and second seals that are each generally concave in shape. Each of the first and second seals is generally V-shaped in cross section, having a radially innermost end, an intermediate portion, and a radially outermost end, wherein the radially innermost and outermost ends are located closer to one another than the radially intermediate portions. the first and second seals are axially spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular space therebetween that can be filled with a sealing material, such as a waterproof grease.

Abstract: A seal system and method are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft, having first and second members containing intermeshing splined portions, from premature wear or corrosion. The seal system comprises first and second splined inner-portions wherein the diameter of the first splined inner-portion is greater than the diameter of the second splined inner-portion. In operation, at least a part of the splined portion of the first member is resident within the first splined inner-portion of the seal, and at least a part of the splined portion of the second member is telescopically resident within the second splined inner-portion of the seal. The seal method comprises fitting the first splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the first member, and fitting the second splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the second member.

Abstract: A slip joint, such as for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, includes a first member having a plurality of male splines provided thereon and a second member having a plurality of female splines provided thereon. The male splines cooperate with the female splines so as to connect the first and second members together for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. A wedge member is disposed between portions of the first and second members to take up looseness therebetween and to adjustably control the amount of force that is required to be exerted in order to effect relative axial movement. The wedge member includes a body portion having a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. The wedge member is positioned such that the leg portions are received within an annular space between the first and second members.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two components, in particular a clamping collar with a centering hub, whereby, between both components an axially deformable and radially centering element is arranged.

Abstract: A shaft-hub connection for transferring a torque between a shaft (1) and a hub (3) with the aid of at least one drive element (2). To enable a torque transfer which is practically resistant to wear, even under the effect of transversal forces, the contact surface between the shaft and the hub and/or between the shaft and the drive element and/or between the hub and the drive element is minimized in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: A system for rotationally coupling telescopic interior and exterior shafts, which are disposed so that they can slide one within the other along a common axis, includes a first rotational coupling between the two shafts which is constituted by a rotation friction system. A second rotational coupling between the two shafts is constituted by internal and external splines. The internal splines are on the periphery of the end of the interior shaft and the external splines are on the internal face of the exterior tubular shaft so that a normal rotation torque is transmitted by friction and an exceptional rotation torque is additionally transmitted by the splines.

Abstract: A propeller shaft 1 comprising a shaft main body 10 and a yoke 20 which is mounted to the shaft main body 10 with a serrated inserting portion 21 thereof being press fitted into an inner circumferential surface of the shaft main body 10 is constructed such that serration fit-in grooves 11 having extending portions 11b into which serration teeth 22 travel when the yoke 20 is allowed to sink into the shaft main body 10 are formed in advance in the inner circumferential surface of the shaft main body 10. A method for producing the propeller shaft 1 comprises a yoke press fitting step and a yoke withdrawing step that is to be performed after the former step.

Abstract: A connection between two shafts, the shafts can be faced in different directions. Each shaft having a first fork at one end for hingedly joining the respective shaft to a second fork. The second forks are mechanically joined to each other by an axial displacement device comprising a first bearing plate formed integrally to one of the second forks; an intermediate plate, having a plurality of through bores and a central column extending therefrom having a distal end for receiving a remaining second fork; and a second bearing plate, having a central bore for receiving the central column therethrough. A plurality of guiding and support columns extend from the first bearing plate, pass through to the through bores of the through bores of the intermediate plate to the second bearing plate connecting the first and second plates together. The intermediate plate can slide along the guiding and fastening shafts.

Abstract: A camshaft rearranging device for an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft and a camshaft having a longitudinal axis. The camshaft rearranging device includes first or internal part aligned with the longitudinal axis of the camshaft and jointed to the camshaft for rotating the camshaft; a second or external part aligned with the longitudinal axis of the camshaft and joined to the crankshaft for being rotated by the crankshaft; and a third or intermediate part aligned with the longitudinal axis of the camshaft and joining the first and second parts to one another for rotating the first part when the second part is rotated and for rotating the first part relative to the second part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a splined member, such as a male or female splined shaft, having a low friction coating applied thereto includes the initial step of providing a length of cylindrical stock having a predetermined outer diameter. The end of the cylindrical stock is then machined by any conventional process to form a preform including an end portion and a neck portion. Next, the end portion of the preform is subjected to a cold working process by a conventional roll forming machine or similar tool to form a plurality of splines about the circumference thereof. The cold working process is effective to re-shape the end portion of the preform to form the splines without the removal of any material therefrom. As a result, each of the splines is formed having a generally involute cross sectional shape, wherein opposed sides of the splines are relatively gently curved between the inner roots and the outer ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint which includes a slip joint in which a shaft is inserted into an interior of a hollow pipe for thereby implementing a rotation force transferring and slipping operation, a hollow yoke joint installed at both sides of the slip joint and having one side which surrounds the pipe and shaft, and an elastic means inserted between the pipe and shaft and both ends of the slip joint and the yoke joint for generating an elastic force in a radial direction.